Felix Michel Melki


George Felix Michel Melki is a professional footballer who plays as a defender or midfielder for Swedish club AIK and the Lebanon national team. A versatile player, Michel Melki can be deployed as either a centre-back, a defensive midfielder or, on occasion, an attacking midfielder.
After following his father's tracks playing at Syrianska for three years, Michel Melki moved to Turkish side Eskişehirspor in 2016. In 2018, he moved back to Sweden signing for AFC Eskilstuna and helped them gain promotion back to the Allsvenskan. In 2019 he transferred to Swedish champions AIK.
Born in Sweden, in 2018 Michel Melki opted to represent Lebanon at senior level, on account of having a Lebanese paternal grandfather. He played in all three group stage games for "the Cedars" at the 2019 AFC Asian Cup; he scored against North Korea and was named Man of the Match.

Early life

Michel Melki was born in Sweden to a Swedish mother and a Syriac father, Robert Michel, who used to play for Syrianska when the team was still in the lower divisions of Swedish football. Felix has also acquired a Lebanese passport due to his origins, making him eligible for the Lebanese national team. He stated in an interview with TRT World that his grandfather was Lebanese, and that two of his father's sisters were born in Lebanon. Felix has an older brother, Alexander, who also plays football.

Club career

Syrianska

At age seven Michel began his football career in the youth team of the Swedish side Syrianska FC, the club of the local Syriac community. Starting from 2013, he played in the first team and made some sporadic appearances in the league and domestic cup. He only began to establish himself as a starter in the 2016 season, making 10 league appearances.

Eskişehirspor

In August 2016 he moved to the TFF First League side Eskişehirspor. Michel played 10 league matches for the Turkish club.

AFC Eskilstuna

In March 2018 Michel signed for Superettan side AFC Eskilstuna, where he would be reunited with his brother Alexander. In his first season, he made 21 league appearances and one cup appearance; he helped his side gain promotion to the Allsvenskan through the play-offs. In 2019 he started in 13 league and cup matches.

AIK

On 25 July 2019, Allsvenskan champions AIK announced the signing of Michel on a three-year deal. He made his league debut on 27 July 2019 as an attacking midfielder, in a 0–2 away win against Sirius. On 18 August 2019, Michel was placed as a striker against Kalmar, losing 1–2 at home. With eight league appearances, Michel helped his side reach fourth place in the 2019 Allsvenskan.

International career

On 15 November 2018, Michel Melki made his international debut for Lebanon against Uzbekistan; the match ended in a goalless draw as he played the whole 90 minutes. He would be called up for the 2019 Asian Cup, alongside his brother Alexander, one month later. On 17 January 2019, he scored the equalizer in a 4–1 win against North Korea in the final group stage game and was nominated Man of the Match for his performance.

Career statistics

International

No.DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition
117 January 2019Sharjah Stadium, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates1–14–12019 AFC Asian Cup

Honours

Club

AFC Eskilstuna